Validating Dietary RNAs: Serkanto as a Flywheel for Prediction, Lab Validation, and Product Development
At Kresko, we’ve built Serkanto—an AI-powered, end-to-end discovery platform that allows us to identify, validate, and transform naturally occurring dietary RNAs—as introduced in this article—into functional ingredients with measurable impact on human health.
The platform is structured around three core pillars:
Computational Prediction – Leveraging advanced machine learning to identify bioactive RNAs with high functional potential. For a deeper dive into how our algorithms uncover functional signals in complex biological data, we invite you to explore this article.
Experimental Validation – Bridging digital predictions with biological proof to confirm real-world efficacy.
Ingredient Design – Translating scientific breakthroughs into health solutions ready for integration into supplements, cosmetics and functional food and beverages.
In this article, we take a closer look at how Experimental Validation powers the transformation of raw biological insight into safe, effective, and scalable ingredients.
Experimental Validation: How Do We Test What Dietary RNAs Can Do?
Once promising RNAs are identified, we move into lab validation. We use a robust panel of 20+ cellular assays, based on gold-standard protocols accepted across academia and industry.
This process unfolds in two key phases: Safety and Function.
1. Safety First
We evaluate the biocompatibility of each RNA or RNA-rich extract using a diverse set of human cell lines—intestinal, hepatic, neuronal, muscular, dermal, and more. We test a wide range of concentrations, from physiological to high doses, to ensure safety before moving forward.
2. Functional Mapping
Next, we explore what these RNAs or RNA-rich extract can do in the body by applying specific studies based on key biological functions. This means focusing on relevant aspects of human biology, such as:
Skin regeneration: Assessed in human fibroblasts through extracellular matrix components production (e.g., collagen), in keratinocytes using a wound closure assay and in endothelial cells under nutritional stress to evaluate vascular resilience.
Mood regulation: Evaluated via serotonin production in enterochromaffin cells and cortisol reduction in adrenal models.
Gut health: Tested through epithelial barrier integrity, permeability assays and cytoskeletal organization using confocal microscopy.
Metabolic function: Assessed through glucose uptake and glycogen storage in muscle and liver cells.
Liver health and lipid metabolism: Assessed in hepatocytes by measuring lipid droplet accumulation and ammonium detoxification.
Oxidative stress resilience: Measured by exposing various cell types (e.g., skin, liver) to oxidative challenges and assessing survival and recovery capacity.
Inflammation modulation: Measured by changes in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ꞵ, IL-6, IL-8, IL-33) using immune and intestinal cells.
Microbiota support: Evaluated by monitoring the growth kinetics and biofilm formation of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus plantarum.
Each of these assays allows us to assign specific functions to a given RNA or RNA rich extract, helping us build a detailed functional profile that predicts how it may perform in the human body.
This is how we move from discovery to design—from cell-based assays to a validated health solution.
From Cells to People: Ingredients Backed by Human Data
Once we establish safety and function in the lab, we design small-scale human studies to validate systemic effects. This process led to our first functional RNA-based ingredients:
DormoRNA®
In vitro studies showed that this milk-derived RNA blend increases serotonin levels, reduces cortisol, and strengthens gut barrier —suggesting a regulatory effect on the gut-brain axis and prompting the hypothesis that DormoRNA® could improve sleep quality and emotional balance.
In human volunteer trials, DormoRNA® led to an increase in REM sleep —a key phase in restorative sleep, essential for brain health and emotional regulation—, reduced light sleep stages, and lower anxiety scores on standardized tests, all with no adverse effects reported.
JunaRNA®
This milk-derived RNA ingredient demonstrated in vitro efficacy in promoting skin regeneration by stimulating collagen and fibronectin production and accelerating wound closure in keratinocyte assays.
In volunteer testing, JunaRNA® enhanced skin cell renewal over five days of topical application, with no evidence of irritation or adverse skin reactions, making it a strong candidate for regenerative cosmetic applications and healthy aging products.
TikaRNA®
Extracted from Urtica dioica (nettle), TikaRNA® showed in vitro the ability to promote skin cell turnover and enhance the growth and biofilm formation of beneficial skin microbiota. Initial volunteer studies suggest improvements in skin texture and resilience while preserving the skin’s natural ecosystem, positioning it as a novel microbiome-friendly ingredient for topical applications.
What Sets Us Apart
We go beyond repurposing generic compounds—we uncover unique bioactives with proven function.
At Kresko, we bridge AI-powered discovery with biological validation to create ingredients that deliver real, measurable outcomes. Our strength lies in connecting natural molecules to human biology—safely, precisely, and at scale.
With Serkanto, we’re not just developing better products—we’re redefining how health solutions are discovered.
Let’s talk
If you’re interested in partnering or investing in the future of dietary RNAs, let’s connect.
